Hollymead Elementary School

Hollymead Elementary School PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK

2012-2013

HOLLYMEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2775 Powell Creek Drive Charlottesville, VA 22911 (434) 973-8301 Hollymead Elementary School PARENT-STUDENT HANDBOOK

2012-2013

Nancy V. Teel, Principal

Amy Daniel Morris, Assistant Principal

HOLLYMEAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 2775 Powell Creek Drive Charlottesville, VA 22911 (434) 973-8301

Table of Contents

Introduction 1 Welcome 1 About Hollymead 1 Philosophy 1 School Improvement Plan 2 School Board Members 2 ACPS Vision, Mission, Goals, & Values 3 Objectives 4

Educational Programs 5 Organizing for Instruction 5 Support Programs 6 Physical Education 6 Library/Media Center 6 Music 6 Art 6 Gifted Services 6 Special Education 7 School Based Intervention Team (SBIT) 7 EDEP (Extended Day Enrichment Program) 8 Assessments 9 Standardized Tests 9

School Policies 9 Enrollment Procedures 9 Registering a Child 9 Kindergarten Registration 9 Attendance 9 Absences 10 Tardiness 10 Early Dismissal 10 Withdrawals 11 Student Placement in Class/ Teacher Requests 11 Emergency School Closings 11 Home-School Communication 12 Classroom Visitation 13 Student Conduct 13 Student Dress 13 Discipline Procedures 13 Behavioral Expectations 14 Playground Rules 15 Fitness Center Area 16 After School Use of the School Playground 16 Hollymead Homework Policy 17 School Security 18 Student Health 18 Illness or Accident at School 18 Medication at School 18 Notification to Parents 19 Additional Procedures 19 Allergies and Other Conditions 20 Student Illness 20 Immunizations 21 Vision Check 21 Management of Student’s Scholastic Records 21 Procedure to Inspect Education Records 21

School Hours 22 Hours for Students 22 Office Hours 22 Buses 23 Bus Schedules and Routes 23 Bus Drivers and Rules 23 Bus Safety 23 Bus Passes 24 Picking-Up and Dropping-Off Students 24 Morning Drop Off 24 Afternoon Pick-Up 25 Students Who Walk to School 26 Change in After-School Plans 26 Student Bicyclists 26 School Pictures 26 Lost-and-Found 26 Class Parties 27 Private Party Invitations 27 Student Birthdays 27 Animals in the Classroom 27 Fund Raising 27 Student Use of Telephones 28 Assemblies 28 Assemblies 28 Lunch Program 28 Parents and the Cafeteria 28 Acceptable Use of Technology 29 Use of Cellular Phones and Electronic Devices 29

Parent Involvement 30 PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization) 30 Parent Volunteers 30 Parent Advisory Positions 30

In Conclusion 30

Introduction

Welcome

Welcome! We are delighted to have the privilege to participate in the growth and development of your child as a student at Hollymead Elementary School. This handbook is provided as a guide to some of the policies, principles, and practices that we follow. We are very proud of Hollymead and the successes of our students. We look forward to working with you and your child throughout the school year.

About Hollymead

Hollymead Elementary School is one of 16 elementary schools serving Albemarle County students in grades K-5. Hollymead Elementary School opened in September 1972 and the school plant is located on forty-one acres within the confines of the Hollymead planned community. The school building contains 58,000 square feet. There are approximately 440 students enrolled at Hollymead coming from a variety of neighborhoods. Hollymead is like other elementary schools in our school division in that we follow the policies and regulations of the Albemarle County School Board and the Superintendent of Schools. Some of the policies and regulations that are of particular importance to parents will be cited in this handbook. In many ways Hollymead is unique. We have accepted what is mandated by our governing bodies as minimal and in many cases we exceed what is required. Where there are no guidelines, we have worked out school practices that suit our particular needs. This handbook is designed to help you become familiar with the school operation as it presently exists at Hollymead. Our philosophy is one of continuous improvement, so these practices do change from time to time. We welcome your suggestions for our improvement. This handbook is not all-inclusive. If you have questions about anything included or not included in it, please feel free to ask for further clarification.

Philosophy

The educational philosophy of Albemarle County Public Schools embraces the concept that a school organization must be a community of learners. At Hollymead Elementary School, children are our first consideration. Each child is unique. We strive to provide an environment that promotes intellectual, physical, emotional, and social growth. We expect positive attitudes within our school population. Teachers, support staff, administrators and parents provide exemplary models for children. When all members of an educational organization are committed to the process of learning, children develop into confident contributing members of society.

1 Introduction

School Improvement Plan

Like each school in Albemarle County Public Schools, Hollymead has its own School Improvement Plan that outlines specific actions the school will take to accomplish its goals. A full copy of Hollymead’s strategic plan is available for review in the main office and on the school website. It is updated at the semester and end of the year. We welcome feedback regarding the plan and its implementation.

School Board Members

NAME DISTRICT E-MAIL

Ronnie Price, Sr. Rivanna [email protected] (Chair)

Steve Koleszar Scottsville [email protected]

Diantha McKeel [email protected] Jack Jouett (vice-chair)

Barbara Massie White Hall [email protected] Mouly

Pamela Moynihan Rio [email protected]

Eric Strucko Samuel Miller [email protected] (Vice-Chair)

Ned Gallaway At-large [email protected]

To e-mail all members of the School Board at once, address your message to [email protected]. School Board Office Contact Information Jennifer Johnston, Clerk [email protected] 401 McIntire Road, Room 345 Charlottesville, VA 22902 Phone: 434/296-5893 Fax: 434/296-5869

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ACPS Vision, Mission, Goals, & Values

Vision

“All Learners will believe in their power to embrace learning, excel, and own their future.”

Mission

The core purpose of Albemarle County Public Schools is to establish a community of learners and learning, through rigor, relevance, and relationships, one student at a time.

The Albemarle County Public Schools has identified five collective strategic goals to guide our work. We believe that these five goals will help us work together to become more focused on our core work, more diverse in our delivery structure, broader in our approach to teaching and learning ,and more stable and relevant within the various communities with which we interact. By accomplishing these goals, we will better assist all students to achieve high levels of learning and to pursue their dreams for their future.

Goal 1: Prepare all students to succeed as members of a global community and in a global economy.

Goal 2: Eliminate the Achievement Gap.

Goal 3: Recruit, retain and develop a diverse cadre of the highest quality teaching personnel, staff and administrators.

Goal 4: Achieve recognition as a world class educational system.

Goal 5: Establish efficient systems for development, allocation, and alignment of resources to support the Division’s vision, mission, and goals.

Values

Excellence Young People Community Respect

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Objectives

In support of the Albemarle County Public Schools vision, mission, goals, and values, the Hollymead School staff will:  Adhere to Albemarle County and State guidelines.  Provide each child with a comfortable and safe environment designed to enhance learning.  Assess each child's progress with various techniques and standards compatible with individual abilities and keep parents and students informed of that progress.  Utilize appropriate instructional materials and resources for supplementing and enriching the learning experiences of each child.  Provide opportunities for each child to work independently and cooperatively on basic instructional and enriching tasks.  Help each child develop a wide range of interests.  Encourage each child to develop a sense of personal worth and dignity.  Help each child acquire a genuine appreciation for the fine arts.  Help each child develop a cultural awareness of our country and other countries.  Help each child develop positive attitudes and habits concerning physical fitness.  Encourage a positive parent-teacher-child relationship through parent involvement in the school program.  Create a stimulating and supportive classroom environment.  Reinforce the child's success through appropriate recognition.  Help each child to develop self-discipline and become a contributing and responsible citizen.

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Educational Programs

Organizing for Instruction

The regular instructional program at Hollymead includes kindergarten through fifth grade. The majority of instruction occurs in heterogeneous self-contained classrooms or across grade-level classrooms, with a team-teaching approach. Some subjects are ability grouped to assure that students’ needs are being met appropriately. Teachers on each grade level work as a Professional Learning Community (PLC) where they meet together to share ideas, discuss curriculum and student concerns, analyze data, and share teaching materials in order to meet their students' needs. Albemarle County Public Schools utilizes a Framework for Quality Learning to guide instruction. This model encourages active, project-oriented instruction with students taking ownership of their learning by setting goals for themselves and keeping track of their own progress. The Framework also spells out effective instructional practices that are expected in all Albemarle County classrooms. The most effective of these strategies are nine that were identified as having the most impact on student achievement. They are, in order from top to bottom in highest impact on achievement:

Strategy Percentage of Gain in Student Achievement Identifying Similarities and Differences 45 Summarizing and Note Taking 34 Reinforcing Effort and Providing 29 Recognition Homework and Practice 28 Nonlinguistic Representations (Graphic 27 organizers and other ways to present material than verbally) Cooperative Learning 27 Setting objectives and providing 23 feedback Generating and Testing Hypotheses 23 Questions, cues and advance 22 organizers

You will be seeing your child engaging in these activities throughout the year and we wanted to assure that our parents understood the rationale for why we were using these particular strategies.

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Support Programs

Teachers and students receive valuable assistance from numerous support programs that are offered in our school. These programs may be a part of our regular curriculum for all students or may be in addition to the regular program for children with special needs.

Physical Education All students receive 120 minutes of planned physical education activity per week under the direction of a certified physical education teacher. The program is conducted in accordance with the school system's physical education curriculum. It is expected that all students fully participate in the physical education program and are dressed appropriately (sneakers) on their designated PE days. A doctor’s note is required if a student needs to temporarily be exempted from PE class.

Library/ Media Center Our school has a well-equipped library/ media center managed by a full-time media specialist. The library/ media center offers many resources for teachers, students, and parents such as books, DVDs, filmstrips, cassette tapes, CDs, computers, etc. The media specialist, in addition to providing instruction for students in the use of the library and study skills, works very closely with teachers in planning special activities and in providing materials to enhance instruction. Students go to the library/ media center at least once a week.

Music A full-time music teacher is employed at Hollymead to provide each student with weekly music instruction. The music specialist is available to work with classroom teachers on special projects and to insure that the needs of each child are properly met. Typically, each grade level, under the direction of the music teacher, has the opportunity to perform for the school community.

Art The art teacher will work with students weekly to help support grade level curriculum and the County’s art curriculum. Students will have their art work displayed throughout the school and, in some cases, at the Albemarle County Public Schools’ Arts Festival.

Gifted Services A full time resource teacher for intellectually gifted students serves the gifted student population and arranges enrichment programs to address the needs of Hollymead students. This teacher coordinates the process for identifying gifted students. The gifted education program uses a push-in model in which the Gifted Resource Teacher (GRT) collaborates with the classroom teachers to ensure that students are given opportunities to meet their needs.

6 Introduction

Special Education Services A wide variety of Special Education services are provided through the Special Education Department at Hollymead. Full time special education teachers and their teaching assistants provide special help to children who are identified as having learning difficulties, developmental delays, or emotional concerns. A range of services from self-contained to inclusion is used to serve the students with special needs. Children who participate in this program are evaluated thoroughly to be sure there is a real need for these services. A process exists, beginning with a referral to the School Based Intervention Team (SBIT), to ensure that students are appropriately identified for special services. Teachers or parents may refer a child to SBIT. A very thorough evaluation is conducted for children who are referred with the parent involved from the point of referral. Testing or placement is not done without the permission of the parent. In addition to the above services, a wide variety of other special services is available to students who are found eligible. These services include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.

Intervention, Rtl, and School Based Intervention Team (SBIT) Throughout the school year, students will be assessed multiple times using multiple methods. If there is an indication that a child is struggling academically, he or she may be referred for intervention. Intervention is broken in three tiers. Tier I occurs in the regular classroom with the teacher providing remediation and re-teaching of skills in the area of difficulty. Most children show progress with this degree of intervention. If a child does not show progress at this level, they will be referred for Tier II Intervention. Tier II Intervention provides additional support for a child. For example, a student struggling with reading will receive reading instruction in the regular classroom and then at an additional time with an Intervention Specialist. Progress is monitored. If a child shows progress, he or she may continue with Tier II Intervention or may be released from that level of service depending on individual needs. For those students not showing progress, or not responding to Intervention (Rtl), Tier III Intervention is then implemented. At the Tier III level, the intervention becomes more frequent and specific than it may have been at the Tier II level. When it becomes necessary for a student to move from Tier II to Tier III Intervention, parents will be asked to come to a meeting as part of the School Based Intervention Team (SBIT). This process involves discussion and analysis of the student’s needs. The team includes the parents, teacher, SBIT chair, and an administrator. In many cases, additional personnel participate, to include the school psychologist, guidance counselor, and other specialists or teachers who may work with the child. As part of the outcome of these meetings, additional specific interventions may be employed and the impact of those interventions is assessed through data collection and analysis. Most students do not need intervention beyond the scope of Tier III Intervention; however, for the few who do, a referral for special education testing may be made.

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Speech/Language A speech/language pathologist is assigned to our school on a full-time basis and is available to work with children who have difficulties related to speech and language. All Kindergarten students are screened early in the year for speech and language needs. All third grade students participate in the mandatory third grade hearing screening.

Guidance A full-time guidance counselor is assigned to our school to help meet the needs of students. The counselor provides structured developmental guidance through individual, group, and classroom guidance. The counselor provides consultation and training to teachers and parents. Students may be referred by themselves, teachers, or parents. Parents may contact the counselor by calling the school office at 973- 8301.

EDEP (Extended Day Enrichment Program)

The Hollymead Extended Day Enrichment Program is designed for families who need after school care for their children, either on a regular or an occasional basis. The EDEP staff works to provide a fun, learning, and safe environment for children. Students are dismissed into the EDEP at 2:25 p.m. The program operates until 6:00 p.m. For more information, please phone 296-5840.

Assessments

Students at Hollymead Elementary School will participate in a number of assessments throughout the school year. These assessments are intended to provide teachers with data to inform their instruction. The purpose of these assessments is to alert us to students who may need additional help in order to be academically successful, or who may be in need of enrichment. For example, by teachers examining the results of assessments, they can tell which students may already have mastered certain material and thus need more enrichment. They also monitor student progress and are able to determine whether re-teaching is necessary. Assessment is as important as instruction and is a critical component of the teaching/learning process. Throughout the year, students will do assessments focusing on various aspects of reading, Word Study, writing, and mathematics as dictated by Albemarle County Public Schools. In addition to these assessments, grade level teams have regular pre- and post-assessments in core subject areas to assure that student progress is on track. Finally, individual teachers have their own assessments of student progress in their classrooms. If you have questions on how your child is progressing, please contact his/her teacher.

8 Introduction

Standardized Tests As required by the Virginia State Department of Education, the Standards of Learning tests will be given to third, fourth and fifth grade students. SOL tests are administered as follows: o Third Grade – Mathematics, Reading, Science, Social Studies o Fourth Grade – Mathematics, Reading o Fifth Grade – Mathematics, Reading, Writing, Science, and Virginia Studies

During this school year all SOL tests will be given in an on-line format unless a student’s individualized needs warrant an alternative format.

The CogAT (Cognitive Ability Test) will be administered to second graders, as well as to students in grades three through five who have not previously taken this assessment. The CogAT is part of the county-wide screening for academically gifted students. We will also administer other assessments as required by Albemarle County Public Schools.

9 Introduction

School Policies

Enrollment Procedures

Registering a Child A child entering school for the first time must be registered by his/her parent or guardian. WE REQUEST THAT CHILDREN REGISTERING DURING THE YEAR BEGIN THEIR ATTENDANCE ON THE DAY FOLLOWING REGISTRATION SO THAT PREPARATION CAN BE MADE FOR A SMOOTH ENTRY INTO SCHOOL. The following forms must be completed and/or submitted: 1. registration form 2. physical examination and immunization record signed by a doctor 3. request for records (permission for former school to release records) 4. birth certificate (any child entering public school for the first time) 5. social security card (requested, but not required) 6. three proofs of residency: one must be the lease/mortgage agreement and the other may be a utility bill, tax bill, etc. NOTE: We may, for various reasons, request that families provide proof of residence while they are already enrolled at Hollymead. It is School Board policy that a student must reside with his/her legal guardian who MUST be a resident of Albemarle County. In addition, only students who live within Hollymead’s attendance area may attend school here. If you have questions on this, please check with Mrs. Mitchell in the front office.

Kindergarten Registration Registration of new Kindergarten students begins in the spring. A special packet of information, forms, and instructions is issued to parents who are registering children in Kindergarten for the first time. The State of Virginia has established that children who are five by September 30 may enter Kindergarten this fall.

Attendance

It is imperative that students be at school on time daily. When students miss school, they lose out on a wide array of learning experiences. Our teachers develop and implement lessons that require students to be active participants in their learning. When students miss even a few days, it may put them considerably behind. ACPS School Board Policy JED states, "School attendance is directly related to academic achievement and the development of good habits which are important in the world of work. Optimum student attendance is a cooperative effort and the School Board expects parents and students to take an active role in accepting the responsibility for good attendance. The principal has the discretion to deny credit or promotion to a student who misses more than sixteen (16) days during the school

10 Introduction

year". Hollymead parents will receive written notification when their child’s absences begin to exceed normal limits. The consequences of exceeding 16 days per year, for reasons other than chronic illnesses documented by a physician, will be mandatory summer school. Repeating the grade will be considered. It is the parents’ responsibility to assure that physician’s notes documenting illnesses are on file in the office.

Absences When a child is absent, a parent or guardian should call the Hollymead Office (973- 8301) and leave a message by 8:30 a.m. If the school is not contacted, we will attempt to reach a parent or guardian by telephone to confirm a child’s absence. When a child returns to school after being absent, he or she must bring a written excuse. Regular attendance is important in order that each child receive the maximum benefits from regular daily sequential instruction. If a child will be out for more than two days due to illness, please notify the office so that missed school work can be collected for parents to pick up. In situations other than illness, students will work with their teachers to make up missed work upon their return to school.

Tardiness If a child comes to school late (after 8:00 a.m.), he/she must report to the office to receive a tardy slip. If an adjustment needs to be made to the lunch count, the cafeteria will be notified. The child will be asked to explain his/her tardiness. Being tardy to class more than 8 times per semester may lead to failure of the subject that is missed. If the tardiness is due to an excused physician’s visit, please assure that this documentation is on file in the office.

Early Dismissal Please realize that when a student is released early, he/she will miss valued learning time. Just as it is important for your child to be at school on time for lessons, it is equally imperative that they be in school for all the day’s activities. If a child is to be dismissed before 2:25 p.m., he/she must bring a note/Change of Dismissal form from home to that effect. Parents picking up a child must report to the office to sign out the student, and he or she will be called to the office when the parent arrives at the office. Parents may not pick up children from the classrooms. A student will not be allowed to leave school with anyone other than his/her parents or guardians unless we have prior notification from the parent or guardian. If you are sending someone to pick your child up from school, please notify the school office in writing. We ask that early dismissals be kept to a minimum as a class must be interrupted to request a student come to the office. If your children are scheduled to attend the Extended Day Enrichment Program but you choose to pick them up instead, you must check in with their EDEP teacher, unless you sent a note with them in the morning or otherwise notified the office of a change.

11 Introduction

Only in an emergency can we accept phone requests for a change of dismissal. If, however, you must phone the school, this must be prior to 1:45 p.m. in order to get the information to your child’s teacher.

Withdrawals If it should become necessary to withdraw your child from school, it is suggested that the following procedure be followed: 1. Notify the school in writing as soon as your plans are definite. Give us the name and address of your child's new school, if possible. 2. Inform us of the last day your child will be in attendance. 3. Return any textbooks, library books or other materials belonging to the school. 4. Pay all outstanding debts. 5. Have your child bring home any personal belongings.

Student Placement in Class/ Teacher Requests

Class placement and/or teacher assignment is taken into serious consideration each year. Considerations that are taken into account when placing a child include class size, ability levels, learning styles, and placement with (or separation from) specific students. Additionally, we attempt to balance each class based on gender and ethnicity, as well as student involvement in specific programs such as gifted, special education, and ESOL. We are confident that your child will find success in whichever class he or she is assigned. In order to provide a placement based on educational needs, we ask that you do NOT request specific teachers. If there is a particular learning concern that you would like to communicate, that should be done in writing or via email to Nancy Teel and received no later than the last day of the school year for consideration. While your child’s current teacher will have input regarding academic, behavioral, and social/emotional needs of each student, please realize that the final placement will be made by the administration.

Emergency School Closings

When schools are to be closed, an announcement will be made over all local radio and television stations. IF NO ANNOUNCEMENT OF CLOSING IS MADE, SCHOOLS WILL OPERATE ON SCHEDULE. You may also sign up for emergency notification phone calls and email. Information regarding that will be made available at the beginning of the school year. It is sometimes necessary to close schools during the school day. When this is done, an announcement is made over the radio (AM: 1070-WINA; 1260-WCHV and FM: 95-WQMZ; 97.5-3WV; 102-WJLT) and local TV. It is very important that your child know what procedure to follow on such occasions. Parents are asked to complete a form at the beginning of the school year, which clearly states where their child is to go in the event of an early closing. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE SCHOOL OFFICE WHEN THERE IS A CLOSING OR POSSIBILITY OF SUCH! The lines need to be kept open for emergencies.

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If there is an emergency closing, all after school activities including EDEP and Scouts are cancelled. An early dismissal area will be set up for those parents who come to pick up their children. The Albemarle County School Division has established a telephone service for parents to obtain information regarding school closings. The number to call is 434- 296-5886.

Home-School Communications

The most important persons in the school to influence your child are his/her classroom teachers. You and the teachers have much to give each other—you, because you know your child so well and the teachers, because of their professional experience with so many children. Get to know your child's teachers early in the year and begin to lay the foundation for good communications. Some ways we will try to communicate with you are through:  Hollymead Buzz  School newsletters  Report cards (four times per year);  School website  “Backpack Mail”  Mail and email  Parent-teacher conferences, and  This handbook.

Your child's teacher may telephone, email, write you a note, send progress reports, send a class newsletter, or come to your home in order to better communicate with you about our mutual concern—your child. Please realize that our teachers are busy throughout the day teaching the children and are not available to take phone calls or respond to email during the school day.

Some ways we hope you will communicate with the teacher are: Promptly sign and return report cards and other forms needing your attention; Send a note after your child has been absent as to the reason for the absence; Come to parent conferences and other parent-teacher meetings; telephone; email or write a note whenever you feel it necessary; Visit the classroom; and Volunteer to help when you can. In developing good school-home relationships, we believe that teachers should not discuss a child or his family with non-professionals. In like manner, we ask that you refrain from discussing concerns about the teacher or the school in the presence of your child. When a difference of opinion exists, please discuss the issue with the

13 Introduction

teacher first and then, if not resolved, the school principal or assistant principal. It is essential that we work together for the benefit of the student.

In order to serve parents and students in the best way possible, the Principal and Assistant Principal have divided responsibilities as follows:

GRADES 1, 3 & 5, Special Education, Guidance, and Gifted Education: NANCY TEEL, PRINCIPAL GRADES K, 2 & 4, ESOL, Art, Music, PE, Library, and Preschool: AMY MORRIS, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL Please feel free to contact these administrators if there is a question regarding instruction, discipline or other matters affecting your child.

Classroom Visitation

Parents are always welcomed at Hollymead. They must first report to the office to sign in and receive a pass. If possible, parents are encouraged to schedule the visit in advance. For classroom observations that entail a full class period, parents should contact the Principal or Assistant Principal to arrange a mutually agreeable time. Siblings are welcome to visit for lunch but may not visit the classroom as it may be disruptive to student learning.

Student Conduct

Students at Hollymead are expected to be good school citizens. In order to help them learn to be self-disciplined, the students, teachers, and administrators have established certain behavioral expectations that, when followed by each student, create a happy, orderly, safe and productive climate for learning. Please talk with your child about the importance of following these school rules: 1. Show respect to yourself, others and our property; 2. Be on time and prepared with your materials; 3. Keep hands and feet to yourself; 4. Do your best on each task.

Student Dress A student shall not dress in a manner that is distracting or interferes with the orderly process of instruction. The following are examples of dress that may be considered inappropriate for school: halters, tank tops with spaghetti straps, tube tops, bare midriffs, showing underwear, short shorts or skirts, not wearing shoes, not wearing shirts, not wearing hats, tee shirts depicting tobacco products or alcoholic beverages, tee shirts depicting anything considered to be violent, etc. Please see policy JFC-R or contact the Principal or Assistant Principal for more information.

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During special occasions and activities, such as Field Day or SCA Spirit Days, exceptions may be made.

Discipline Procedures Teachers manage most discipline problems at school but inform parents and the school administrators when a child has continual difficulty following the school rules. A discipline referral form is completed by the teacher and sent to the appropriate administrator in cases when a student is sent to the office as a result of misbehavior. A copy of the referral will be sent home and the parents will usually be contacted by telephone. A copy of formal discipline referrals (including Bus Conduct Reports) may become a part of the student's permanent record. This is required by Virginia State law. Our goal will be to improve student behavior rather than to punish children for their misbehavior. Natural consequences will be imposed as a means of achieving this goal. Students may be required to develop a plan for improving their behavior prior to returning to the classroom.

Behavioral Expectations The following expectations are to benefit all the people in our school community. Their purpose is to maintain an atmosphere of mutual respect and harmony. Hollymead students are expected to:  Treat every person with respect;  Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself;  Accept the authority of all adults working at Hollymead Elementary School;  Refrain from bullying behavior to include calling people names, hitting, pushing, shoving people, etc.  Listen politely to other people in class and during assemblies;  Settle disagreements in a peaceful and fair manner. Fighting at school is not allowed.  Use appropriate language at all times;  Walk inside the school building and on all sidewalks;  Walk quietly on the right side of the hallway and go directly to the proper place;  Respect the property of others and take proper care of the school building and grounds;  Use good table manners while eating in the cafeteria (Cafeteria tables and floor should be left clean for other students.);  Remember that the staff lounge, workroom, and adult bathrooms are for adults only;

15 Introduction

 Leave chewing gum at home;  At the teachers’ discretion, students may have water bottles with them in the classroom. Clear water is the only acceptable drink that is to be in the water bottle;  Leave unnecessary money or possessions (including toys) at home;  Remain on school grounds until dismissal;  Protect the safety of all people at the school;  Wear hats outside only; and  Obey all laws regarding the use or possession of tobacco, alcohol, drugs, weapons, and fireworks. The enforcement of these expectations is the responsibility of all the adults working in the building. Disciplinary measures generally consist of withdrawal of privileges and/or time out from the class. In extreme cases (such as physical aggression resulting in injury of another person, threats to the safety/ well-being of others, or racial/gender slurs), a child may be suspended. Forms for reporting to parents have been developed for use in dealing with inappropriate behavior. For extremely serious offenses or repeated minor offenses, there is a referral form that will be filled out by the teacher and sent to the office.

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Playground Rules

The playground is for the use of all students, but it is necessary that certain age groups have priority in some areas. Preschool, kindergarten and first grade students have priority in the use of all play equipment on the "Primary Play Area" on the side of the building. Grades two through five have priority in the "Intermediate Play Area" in the back of the building. If the equipment is not in use, other groups may use it. Any playground equipment that is used by children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

 The playground must be used in a safe manner at all times.

 Students must wait in a safe place while someone else is using a piece of equipment.

 Students are not permitted to jump off any piece of equipment.

 Games involving running are to be played on the grassy areas instead of on the mulched, raised equipment areas. Certain games may be restricted or discouraged if safety may be compromised.

 Swings, ladders, and climbing poles shall be used by one person at a time. Students must sit on the swings facing the building and swing forward and back, not sideways.

 Students and/or adults may not push the person using either the swing or the zip-glider.

 Students are to go down the slides sitting, one person at a time, facing forward. Students may not hold hands on the twin slides.

 Throwing any objects other than a ball, such as dirt, rocks, mulch, etc. is not permitted.

 Climbing and twisting the swing chains is not permitted.

 Climbing on swing poles is not permitted.

 Digging is not permitted.

 Please do not pull on trees or leaves nor climb the trees or fence.

 Kicking or throwing mulch is not permitted.

 Bouncing on swinging bridge is not permitted.

 NO tackling, shoving, pushing, etc. is permitted. Teachers will review all playground rules with students throughout the school year.

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Fitness Center Area This area is for students in grades 2-5 as well as adults. Read and follow the instructions recommended on the boards next to the equipment. There is an explanation of the ten fitness stations as well as exercises to warm-up and/or cool- down. Users are encouraged to design a personal routine and keep track of their progress. The ten stations include:

 Parallel Bars: For building upper body strength

 High Bars: To practice pull-ups, skin the cat, etc.

 Overhead Bar on an Incline: To practice vertical jumping

 Three Blue Bars: For short jumping in a zigzag pattern

 Pole with Three Steps at Varied Heights: For stretching

 Vertical Ladder: To climb up one side, climb over the top and down the other side

 Two Wooden Balance Beams: To walk and balance in different styles

 Raised Horizontal Bars: To hang down from the bar and move from bar to bar using alternate hands, then jump down from the other end

 Two Low Horizontal Bars: To practice push-ups or hold the body off the ground to build upper body strength and stretch the legs

 Wooden Platform with a Bar at One End: To practice curl-ups and do full body stretching

After School Use of the School Playground Over one hundred Hollymead students attend the Extended Day Enrichment Program. Many activities for these children occur on the school playground. To ensure the safety of all children we ask that families in the Hollymead neighborhood refrain from sending their children to the school playground until 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. Children should not be on the playground after dark. Unauthorized vehicles are prohibited from driving on the play areas. Only authorized school employees are permitted on the roof of the school building. Unauthorized individuals who go onto the roof will be prosecuted for trespassing. In addition, skateboarding and electronic scooters are not permitted on school grounds at any time.

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Hollymead Homework Policy

Homework is used to review, reinforce, and extend the learning experiences, which occur in the classroom. It provides parents with the opportunity to become more involved in the instructional process and helps students to develop a sense of personal responsibility. Students should be capable of independently completing most homework assignments. Teachers do not assign grades to most homework. The purpose of assignments will be explained to students. Students with more than one teacher will have assignments coordinated to avoid giving any child excessive work to complete at home on any one night. School personnel will establish support systems for students who have few opportunities to complete assignments at home. Parents are discouraged from assuming too much responsibility for the completion of assignments. When necessary, the school will provide assistance to children in securing books and materials needed for the completion of assignments. Homework is intended to be a positive experience for students and parents. Expectations for the amount of time and effort spent on completing homework will vary at different grade levels:

Kindergarten  homework is not assigned on a daily basis  when assigned, homework is individualized  parents are encouraged to read to their children every day First and  20-30 minutes maximum (depending on child) Second Grade  parental assistance is recommended in individual cases Third Grade  30 minutes maximum (depending on child)

Fourth Grade  45 minutes maximum  students record what they don't understand about homework and bring questions to class Fifth Grade  one hour maximum  major projects are graded

In addition to homework assignments, students are asked to read independently, from a book of their choice, each evening for a minimum amount of time. Many teachers require students to record this time in a "Reading Log." Classroom teachers may have specific procedural guidelines for homework for their classes. These are communicated to parents at the beginning of the year. If a child is absent from school for more than two days due to illness, the parent may phone the school and request homework assignments. Teachers will send the work to the office ready for pick-up by 2:20 p.m. In situations other than illness (e.g., vacations, trips, etc.), students will work with their teachers to make up missed work upon their return to school.

19 School Policies School Security

All visitors and volunteers at Hollymead School are required to sign in at the office and wear a special badge. This procedure will help us to maintain proper security in the school building. The Hollymead staff has developed emergency procedures to protect the safety of all students. No one is permitted to pick up a child unless the parent has provided written permission for this. In emergencies, if a parent cannot be reached, one of the names on the emergency card will be called. It is essential that two names be provided for this purpose and that you keep the office informed if telephone numbers or emergency contacts change. Teachers in charge of after school activities will inform parents that the students will be brought to the lobby at the end of the activity. Parents should wait in the lobby to pick up their child.

The EDEP After-School program ends at 6:00 p.m. at which time the blue doors to the school will be locked. Evening activities in the gym such as Parks and Recreation or YMCA will start at 6:30 p.m. The school will not be accessible from the gym after 6:00 p.m. during the week or on weekends. Any adults that ask to get into the building before 6:30 p.m. will be notified of our procedures. When evening activities take place in the Auditorium the gates will be put up to restrict access around the building. Student Health

Illness or Accident at School Hollymead employs a school nurse. If a student is ill or is injured at school, the nurse or school secretary will contact the home or the person indicated on the student's emergency card. The parent or designated person is requested to come to the school to take the student home. In case of an accident, no matter how minor, the student should report that accident to the teacher immediately. Parents will be made aware of any accident by phone or clinic note.

Medication at School See Albemarle County School Board Policy JGCD for a full description of School Division expectations regarding medicine. An excerpt appears on the following page.

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NOTIFICATION TO PARENTS

We discourage the administration of medications during school hours and request, whenever possible, that medication doses are scheduled at times other than during school hours. We recognize that this is not always possible and will cooperate in the administration of medication that must be given during school hours. Our regulations include:

1. Physician’s orders for prescription medication to be administered shall specify in writing the duration of the order and the name and dosage of the drug. The orders should be renewed at least every school year.

2. Parents/guardians may request in writing that school personnel administer non-prescription medication to children. The request shall specify the name and dosage of the medication. The request should be renewed at least every school year.

3. Each school keeps a log book with consecutively numbered pages in which the administration of medicine is recorded, in ink, showing the date and time of administration in each case, the name of the prescribing physician (if applicable), and the signature of the school nurse, principal or other school employee administering the preparation.

4. The specific written order of the physician and the written authorization of the parent should be kept on file and all parental consents or authorizations should be renewed every school year.

5. Not more than one month’s supply of a prescribed medication shall be stored in a school. The medication shall be stored in a designated place separate from first aid supplies, and securely locked at all times.

6. The school employee will give the medication to the student to be self-administered unless the student is physically unable to administer the medication to him/her.

7. Unused medication shall be returned to the parent/guardian or shall be disposed of annually.

8. Any exception to this regulation shall be made by the principal/designee after written request by the student’s parent and authorization by the student’s physician.

Additional Procedures at Hollymead Medication (including inhalers) must be brought to school in a container appropriately labeled by the pharmacy or physician. Medication will be given in the office area or clinic by the nurse, administrator, or secretary. The student must assume responsibility for presenting himself/herself for medication at the appropriate time. School personnel will not assume responsibility for calling students for medication. The parents of the child must assume responsibility for informing the school of any change in the child's health or change in medication. If you have any questions, please call the school office (973-8301).

21 School Policies Allergies and Other Conditions There are always children who have allergies or conditions that require attention; sometimes this is emergency attention. If your child is allergic to certain foods, animals, pollen, dust, bee sting, etc. and has a reaction that requires attention, it is essential that we be provided with medication to administer, procedures to follow, and emergency contact information. Procedures for school personnel to follow should be written on a form available in the school office. A “nut-free” table is available in the cafeteria for students who have nut allergies. Students who sit at this table may not have any food item with them than contains nuts of any sort. Students who sit at this table are welcome to bring a friend to the table with them, as long as their lunch is nut-free. Please make us aware of conditions such as asthma, epilepsy, heart conditions, etc. as well as procedures to follow. Forms are available in the school office for parents to request the administration of medication for a diabetic child. If a child is to be excluded—partially or completely—from physical education for more than one day, we must have a statement from a licensed physician to that effect.

Student Illness Especially in the winter, there is an increase in contagious illnesses seen at school due to the large number of individuals in close proximity on a daily basis. Following these simple guidelines can help protect your child and others from becoming ill.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND YOUR CHILD TO SCHOOL IF: Your child has had a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher in the past 24 hours. Children should be free of fever, without the use of medications, for a continuous 24 hours before returning to school. You know or suspect that your child has a fever or is ill. Delay sending him/her to school until you have had enough time to observe his/her behavior and feel certain that your child is well enough to be in school. Your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness and has not yet received medication for a minimum of 24 hours, or until your doctor tells you that your child is no longer contagious (Note: Please get this in writing and send it to school with your child.)  Your child has received medication for an illness for the required 24 hours and still has a fever.  Your child has vomited the night before or in the morning before going to school.  Your child has diarrhea, stomach pain, or cramping.  Your child has nasal drainage requiring constant wiping or blowing.  Your child has frequent coughing throughout the day or night.  Your child has any combination of the above symptoms.

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Children who come to school sick are not productive learners and can spread the illness to classmates and staff. Finally, please remember that regular hand washing is one of the best ways to slow or stop the spread of germs in your family.

Immunizations Virginia law requires that before entering a public or private school, a student must furnish a physical certificate that such student has been successfully immunized against communicable disease, (i.e., polio, measles, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus). The certificate is part of the "School Health Examination Form MCH- 213C" which is required for school entrance. A student may not enter school without the required physical examination and immunizations. Religious exemptions are honored.

Vision Check The vision of students in third grade is checked early in the school year using the Snellen Eye Chart and parents are notified of any defects. Some defects may be identified that do not prove to be significant and specific visual problems may not be identified. Children who complain of vision problems should be examined by your family's eye doctor.

Management of Student’s Scholastic Record

It has been the practice of the administration of Albemarle County Public Schools to permit parents to review, with the school principal or his/her designee, records maintained on their students. Virginia Department of Education Regulations officially mandates that parents and eligible students be informed in writing of the School Board's policy with respect to the management of student records. Student scholastic records are written and maintained for the purpose of assisting the student in his personal, social, educational, and vocational development consistent with high professional standards. These records are kept under the supervision of the principal or his/her designee. The records are used to assist the school staff in working with the student. The principal or his/her designee is responsible for reviewing the records to make sure information no longer needed is removed. Directory information (name of student, address, telephone listing, date and place of birth, participation in officially recognized activities and sports, the most recent previous educational institution attended, dates of attendance, awards and honors received, and other similar information) may be made public. You have the right to refuse the release of any part or all of such information, provided you notify the school in writing by September 30. PROCEDURE TO INSPECT EDUCATION RECORDS Parents of students or eligible students may inspect and review the student’s education records without unnecessary delay and before any meeting regarding an IEP or hearing involving a student with a disability. Further, parents shall have the right to a response from the school division to reasonable requests for explanations and interpretations of the education Parents of eligible students should submit to the student’s school principal a written request which identifies as precisely as possible the record(s) they want to inspect.

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The principal/designee will make the needed arrangements for access as promptly as possible and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. The school will comply with the request for access to records within a reasonable period of time but no more than 45 days after it has received the request. When a record contains information about students other than the parent’s child or eligible student, the parent or eligible student may not inspect and review the portion of the record which pertains to other students. When a disciplinary action is taken by the school division in regard to an incident upon which an adjudication of delinquency or a conviction of acts specified in Section 16.1- 305.1 of the Code of Virginia, the parent or guardian must be notified of his/her right to review and request amendment of the student’s education records.

School Hours

The school building is opened to the students at 7:45 a.m. and the school assumes responsibility for the supervision of students at this time. Students should arrive between 7:45 and 7:55 a.m. Dismissal begins at 2:25 p.m.

Hours for Students Students arriving in their classrooms after 8:00 a.m. will be considered to be "TARDY." The instructional day will begin at 7:55 a.m. with the morning announcements and a moment of silence. Dismissal will begin at 2:25 p.m. and buses will depart at approximately 2:35 p.m. Children who walk will be dismissed after buses have departed.

Office Hours The school office is open each weekday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The school office is generally open during Summer, Winter, and Spring vacations with normal working hours. However, we encourage you to call first during those times to ensure that the office is open.

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Bus Schedules and Routes School bus schedules and routes are established by the Albemarle County Transportation Department. If you find that you need specific information in regard to a stop location, time of stop, etc., please call the Transportation Department at 973- 5716. Bus schedules and stops are always subject to change during the first week or two of school as it takes several days before they are completely settled. We appreciate your patience during this period of adjustment. It is recommended that parents walk with children to bus stops and wait with them until the bus arrives. If at any time you have questions or a problem concerning the bus schedule or stop, please do not hesitate to consult with the driver. He or she may be able to give you more specific information than the school office, particularly during the first week of school. Do not, however, hesitate to consult the school administrators if you have a problem.

Bus Drivers and Rules Bus drivers provide an essential service in our educational system. Their job is not always an easy one. Parents are asked to give support by requiring their children to obey bus rules and respect the drivers. A copy of the county "Guidelines for Student Transportation" is sent to parents each year. One portion must be signed by the parent and, when appropriate, the student. These guidelines should be re-read from time to time during the year to reinforce proper bus behavior.

Bus Safety Bus safety requires a community effort. If you suspect dangerous conditions on the school bus, please call our school or the Albemarle County Department of Transportation (973-5716). If you observe traffic violations by motorists that threaten the safety of our students, please report them directly to the Albemarle County Police Department.

25 School Policies Bus Passes If a student is to ride a different bus or to get off at a different bus stop, the parents must send a Change of Dismissal form or note to the office granting permission for this change. The office staff will reissue the parent’s note to the student, which will serve as a bus pass and must be presented to the bus driver upon boarding the school bus. Approval of the request to ride a different bus is dependent on available seats on the requested bus.

Picking-Up and Dropping-Off Students

Parents who transport children to school are reminded that it is against the law to pass a school bus loading or unloading students. This law is in effect on school property also. Please do not stop, unload, or park in the bus lane on the side of the school. If you are unloading or picking up pupils, please use the drop-off/ pick up area in the front of the school. Traffic is prohibited in the bus lane between 7:30 – 8:00 am and 2:00 – 2:45 pm. Our crossing guards will help direct traffic as needed to help with the flow of cars into the drop-off area and parking lot. We ask that you pay close attention to them and follow their directions to allow for safe passage of students and better traffic flow. We appreciate your patience! Morning Drop Off If you choose to drop off your child in the morning we ask that you follow these guidelines:  All children should exit their car on the side closest to the sidewalk.  Please pull as far forward as possible in the drop off lane.  Staff members will be on duty for supervision no earlier than 7:40. Please do not arrive prior to that time.  Parents are asked to remain in the car. We have staff members on duty that will open the door from the outside if there is a child-proof lock.  If your child is to wear a jacket or coat, it should already be on so that time is not taken to put it on prior to getting out of the car. Likewise, backpacks, lunchboxes, and other items should be quickly accessible.  If there is a considerable backup, please do not let your child out before moving into the drop-off area. We don’t want them to have to cross any street or parking lot without adult supervision, either with a parent or crossing guard.  Please pay close attention to the crossing guards so that children who are walking may cross the street safely.  Please give the right-of-way to the buses.  Be sure to give your child a quick goodbye as they get out of the car to help them have a great morning!

Please be aware that days of inclement weather often produce an especially long backup. We appreciate your patience when that occurs. We feel that these guidelines will help the flow of traffic each morning and get your child into school in a timely fashion. We appreciate your assistance with this.

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Afternoon Pick-Up If you need to pick up your child at school before 2:25 p.m. please come directly to the office. A staff member will assist you in signing out your child and will have the student sent to the office to meet you. Children walking or riding bikes will be dismissed at 2:35 p.m., after buses depart. We ask that you wait outside to meet your child. Children will come out of the front door to the right of the main entrance. If, for any reason, you need to meet your children inside the building, you may wait for them in the front lobby after signing in.

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Students Who Walk to School

Students who walk to and from school must arrive and depart at the crosswalk on Powell Creek Drive and enter through one of the front doors of the school. No trespassing on Sutherland Middle School grounds during school hours is permitted. Students in the Hollymead sub-division and along Powell Creek Dr. between Ashwood Blvd. and the traffic circle on Powell Creek are considered “walkers” to school and will not have bus transportation provided. As many of these areas do not have crosswalks and/or paths, we encourage parents to walk with their child until they safely cross to the school side of Powell Creek Dr. or the side of Hollymead Drive with the path. Trained staff members serve as crossing guards to assist with safe passage to and from school. Crossing Guards will be posted at the cross walk on Powell Creek near the school and at other locations on or close to school grounds deemed necessary to provide a safe passage for students.

Student Bicyclists

If a student is a regular bus rider but chooses to ride his/her bike to school, it is considered a change in dismissal and a Change of Dismissal form or note from home must be presented. Students who ride bicycles to school are to lock and park them in the bicycle rack located at the front of the building. Students are required to wear a helmet. These guidelines also apply to students who ride scooters to school.

Change in After-School Plans

Any time a student is to leave in a manner that is different from the way he/she came to school or the way he/she usually departs, the parents must send a Change of Dismissal form or note to the office giving permission for this change. Parents must send these notes indicating changes on a daily basis. If the school does not receive notification from the parent about a change of dismissal, the normal dismissal plan for the child will be followed. All changes must be received by 1:45 p.m. to ensure that there is adequate time to notify the student and teacher of the change.

School Pictures

Individual school pictures are taken as soon as possible in the fall. Additional individual pictures and class (group) pictures are taken in the spring.

Lost-and-Found

Possessions that are found and unclaimed are placed in the lost-and-found locker in the hallway across from the cafeteria entrance. Materials that are not picked up by the end of each month will be donated to the needy.

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A lost-and-found drawer is maintained in the school office for small valuables (watches, glasses, jewelry, etc.). Please contact the school office if you have lost this type of item at Hollymead.

Class Parties

Each class may have three parties during the school year. The dates of the three parties will be determined by the classroom teacher.

Private Party Invitations

At Hollymead Elementary School we want all children included in activities. Invitations to private parties may not be distributed at school unless ALL students in the class are invited.

Student Birthdays

Each classroom teacher establishes procedures to be followed for celebrating student birthdays. Please contact the classroom teacher for this information before sending in birthday treats.

Animals in the Classroom

The link below will explain the Albemarle County policy on animals Animals in the Building Many classrooms at Hollymead have classroom pets. Caring for and observing the classroom animals serve as an enjoyable, hands-on learning experience. The handling of animals by students is voluntary and only under the immediate supervision of the teacher. Some teachers permit students to share their home pets with their classmates. Animals must be leashed or caged when brought into the building. Teacher permission is required for any pet to be brought into the classroom. If you do not wish for your child to come in direct contact with or handle either classroom or home pets, please notify your child’s teacher in writing. Dogs on school grounds must be leashed.

Fund Raising

Opportunities exist throughout the school year to raise funds to support our school and students. Fundraising activities which involve elementary students in door-to- door solicitation shall be prohibited in compliance with Standard D of the Virginia Standards of Quality.

29 School Policies Student Use of Telephone

Use of the telephone by students is limited to emergency calls and school business calls only. Calls for permission to attend parties, go home or ride buses with friends, etc. are discouraged. These matters should be taken care of at home. A note from the student's teacher is required before the telephone may be used.

Assemblies

A variety of assembly programs are provided for Hollymead students during the school year. These include student presentations, guest speakers, and professional productions.

Food Services

Hot lunches are provided daily. Free and reduced lunches are available to those who qualify. Forms are sent home with each student at the beginning of the year. You may use a prepaid lunch account for full or reduced price lunch at any time during the school year. Prepayment speeds the lunch line and avoids the problems of carrying daily lunch money. Prepayment may be made for 5, 10, 20, 40, or 80 meals. There is no discount for prepayment. The lunch cost is $2.25 per day. Other items such as ice cream, juice, extra milk, and chips may be purchased at an additional cost. Adult lunches are $3.05. Milk is $.50. If parents pay by check, the check should be made payable to the Hollymead Cafeteria. We can only lend money to students for one week’s worth of lunch. If a student packs a lunch, please remember that glass bottles or containers are never allowed at school due to the danger of breaking. Please arrange for plastic containers for beverages that are sent to school. We discourage parents sending in sodas or other non-nutritional lunches or snack items. A “grab and go” breakfast will be available for students. The cost for a student breakfast is $1.30 and adults are $1.60. Students who are purchasing breakfast are to report directly to the cafeteria to purchase their breakfast. They will then go to their classroom where the teacher will allow them to eat it. Students are expected to be in class on time, so if your child walks to school or is dropped off by car, please plan your arrival to allow for the purchase of breakfast and timely arrival to class.

Parents and the Cafeteria

Hollymead welcomes parents in the school cafeteria. If you wish to eat lunch with your child, please sign in at the front office and meet him or her at the cafeteria entrance at the designated time. Younger children often need assistance opening food and drink containers. Parents who are having lunch with their children are welcome to assist other children with their lunches as needed.

30 School Policies Acceptable Use of Technology

Students at Hollymead are expected to follow the Albemarle County Public Schools’ policy (IIBE) regarding the acceptable use of technology. A portion of this policy is listed below. It may be found in its entirety on the School Division’s website. Information regarding this is sent home at the beginning of the school year.

ACCEPTABLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

Internet and computer network and non-network access is available to authorized students, teachers, and other staff in the Albemarle County Public Schools.

Albemarle County Public Schools’ primary goal for technology use in education is to promote educational excellence by facilitating resource sharing, innovation, and telecommunications as outlined in this policy and applicable regulations. However, some world-wide resources available on the Internet are not of educational value in a school setting.

Students and/or their parents or other legal guardians shall, prior to beginning grades K, 3, 6 and 9 or otherwise entering a school, receive and sign an acknowledgment of this Policy and return same to the appropriate individual school. The school shall maintain an accurate record of who has returned the signed acknowledgment and shall respond accordingly.

Use of the Albemarle County Public Schools' Internet and computer facilities is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use will result in an immediate termination of access and other privileges relating to use and may also result in disciplinary action (up to and including suspension or expulsion, formal reprimand, or dismissal) as well as potential civil or criminal liability and prosecution.

Use or transmission of any material in violation of any United States or state law is strictly prohibited. Also prohibited are the uses or transmission of the following: material protected by federal or state intellectual property laws; copyrighted material (except in accordance with School Board policy EGAAA); licensed material; threatening, harassing, or obscene material; and/or pornographic material. In addition, it shall be prohibited to access, attempt to access, use, or attempt to use the Internet or other computer network or non-network facilities for any other unauthorized purposes, including but not limited to commercial activities, introduction of viruses, and manipulation or corruption of systems, files, and other related resources.

Administration, faculty, or staff may request that the systems administrator deny, revoke, or suspend specific user access in the event of violation of this policy.

Use of Cellular Phone and Electronic Devices

Students may not use cellular phones or electronic devices during the school day unless being used for instructional activities. Students who have cellular phones with them are to keep them off during all times. If students need to use a phone, they must use the office telephone. I-pods, video games, and other similar electronic devices may not be used in the classroom unless directed to do so by the classroom teacher. It is recommended that all electronic devices be kept at home. If they are brought to school it is at your own risk.

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Parent Involvement

PTO (Parent-Teacher Organization)

The Parent Teacher Organization is an important part of the school. In the past it has provided invaluable parent volunteer services, assemblies, book fairs, and fund raisers to purchase school equipment. Every parent who has a child attending Hollymead School is a voting member of the PTO. PTO meetings are held once a quarter with most beginning at 6:30. Parents will also receive PTO updates via email, backpack mail, and website on a regular basis.

Parent Volunteers

Hollymead has been fortunate in having a large corps of parent volunteers to assist with instructional and clerical duties. The PTO will make requests for parent volunteers at the beginning of the school year. A volunteer orientation is held during the first month of school. This program is coordinated through the PTO. In efforts to best protect the individual needs of our students, all volunteers are required to sign a statement about their understanding of the importance of confidentiality with regard to our students.

Parent Advisory Positions

Albemarle County Public Schools welcomes parents to serve on a variety of committees at the School Division level. These include the Parent Council and Special Education Advisory Committee. If you are interested in participating in a role such as this, please contact Clare Keiser, Principal, at 973-8301.

In Conclusion

We hope that this handbook has provided you information helpful to you and your child. If you have questions or concerns regarding anything associated with Hollymead, please do not hesitate contacting your child’s teacher, the guidance counselor, or the administration. We look forward to a very successful school year!